Birth control was once thought to be the privilege of humans alone. However, as overpopulation is an increasing problem in the United States, those working in rescue homes or pet shelters see the benefit of limiting animal’s reproductive abilities without surgery. Additionally, pet owners have also sought other options to limit breeding than simply spaying or neutering their pets. Though there may be severe physical implications for pets take oral birth control medications, there are certain aspects that make this option appealing for some pet owners.
Positive Aspects of Pet Birth Control
In some cases, pet parents want to keep the possibility of breeding their dogs available, without having to deal with the down sides of owning a dog that isn’t “fixed.” In cases where surgery is not available for dogs, using birth control can prove to be a beneficial alternative. Below are some cases in which oral contraceptives and other methods of birth control (such as intratesticular sterilization via injections) may be preferable to spaying or neutering a pet:
- If an animal has a health concern that makes breeding at a young age unwise.
- If they have a medical condition or allergy that prohibits them from using anesthesia (making the possibility of surgery unthinkable).
- If a pet-owner plans to breed the dog later in life. (This may be the best choice for families who may be planning to move, and could subject the animal to large changes which may cause them stress, making pregnancy unadvisable.)
- If surgery is not an option (due to a lack of finances or facilities to perform the procedure.)
Birth Control Side Effects
One of the downsides to oral contraceptives is that they are an unnatural manipulations to an animal’s regular reproductive cycle, which can result in certain side effects. Though not every pet taking “the pill” will suffer from the same health problems, here are the primary reported side effects associated with this medication:
- weight gain
- exhaustion
- infertility
- body odor
- liver strain or damage
- mammary gland enlargement
- behavioral changes
- potential development of diabetes mellitus or pyometra
Note: Using the birth control products is not recommended for more than 2 consecutive cycles. This means that the hormone manipulation of birth control not only can have serious implications for an animal’s health, but it also must be administered with great caution.
Is this ethical?
Many would argue that giving a dog birth control pills or sterilization shots is no less ethical than having them spayed or neutered. However, the use of birth control in pets is not common, and animal contraceptive products remain under development, which may result in further health risks in the future. Though it may not be the best option for a pet’s overall health, some pet owner’s find it to be the best option available.